Accel Telecom's Voyager Gets Attention as Standalone Connected Smartphone for the Car

Accel Telecom’s newly unveiled Voyager device has been getting a lot of attention this week as it is believed to be the first standalone connected smartphone for cars. It is quite different from the car phones from the 1980s and 1990s though.

In fact, it lets users leverage their existing phone number through a twin-SIM as well as combines Android operating system-based smartphone technology with an HSUPA Qualcomm module.

The technology leads to safe calling, easier navigation, and a 3G Wi-Fi Hotspot connection in the car. The Voyager also features: hands-free dialing, large keys, echo-free sound quality and connections to on-board diagnostics. It gets its power from a car battery and is being targeted to users in the United States and in Europe.

“Our user-friendly, cost effective and secure Carfone devices have seen substantial market success. We expect strong demand for the new generation Voyager Connected Car Smartphone device in both European and U.S. markets in line with recent industry reports and our own research with industry influencers,” Marc Seelenfreund, CEO of Israel-based Accel Telecom, said in a company statement carried by MobilityTechzone.

Detailed prices on the Voyager as well as the official release date have yet to be revealed. However, it was just displayed at Mobile World Congress now underway in Barcelona, Spain.

While it has gotten attention from technology sector watchers, not every review has been superlative. “The phone itself is rather ugly and in that sense I can hardly envision a ton of drivers buying one of these for themselves,” commented an IntoMobile  reviewer. “On the other hand, we may be talking about a niche product (I’m not sure) for folks who are always on the road. Not sure what to make of it, though.”